DST to PES Converter — Free Online, No Sign-Up

Convert your DST file to PES format online, no sign-up required. Drop your design and download the converted file in seconds.

Drop your .DST file here

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Convert to PES

2 free conversions every 24 h, no sign-up required.

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Maximum file size :: 10 MB
Supported formats :: PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3 (input and output)
Sign-up :: None for free use
File storage :: None: deleted immediately after conversion

How it works

1. Drop your file
Drag and drop your DST file or select it from your computer.
2. The conversion starts
Your design is automatically converted to the PES format, keeping all embroidery stitches.
3. Download the result
Instantly get your PES file, ready to use on your embroidery machine.

What changes in the DST to PES conversion

DST carries no colors: converting to PES therefore rebuilds a default palette, following the thread-change order of the original design.

Default colors are assigned following the DST stops — adjust them if needed in PE-Design, Embrilliance or on the machine.
The DST header provides dimensions and stitch count, carried into the PES file.
The PES design name reuses the (truncated) DST header name.
Stitches are carried over as-is: geometry, jumps and trims do not change.

DST or PES: what are the differences?

	DST .dst	PES .pes
Typical use	Industrial and home (standard)	Home embroidery
Machines concerned	Tajima and most industrial machines	Brother, Babylock, Bernina Deco
Colors	No palette: thread-change commands (stops) only	Includes a color palette (with thread references depending on the version)
Metadata	Truncated name, stitch count, dimensions (text header)	Design name, dimensions, thread palette
How to open it	With Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird	With Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch

Understanding the DST and PES formats

Format DST .dst

DST is the Tajima format, now the exchange standard for embroidery: it is accepted by almost every machine, home or industrial, and by all digitizing software. The file alternates stitch, jump and trim commands with « stop » commands that mark thread changes. One key point: it carries no named color palette — matching each section to an actual thread is left to the machine or the operator. A 512-byte text header summarizes the design: name (truncated), stitch count, color-change count and dimensions. When converting, stitches are carried over as-is; only the container and metadata change.

Tajima and most industrial machines

Format PES .pes

PES is the native format of Brother and Babylock home embroidery machines (and Bernina Deco). It is one of the most widely distributed formats: most design shops offer it by default. A PES file stores stitches (positions, jumps, trims), a color section and metadata — design name, dimensions in millimeters and, depending on the version, a thread palette. When converting, these elements are read and re-encoded into the target format: the stitch count and design dimensions stay identical, while the color palette is only kept if the destination format can store one. To open a PES file outside a Brother machine: PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials, Ink/Stitch (free) or Wilcom TrueSizer (free).

Brother, Babylock, Bernina Deco

Machine compatibility and dimensions

The conversion changes neither the stitch count nor the design dimensions: a 90 × 90 mm design remains a 90 × 90 mm design. The maximum embroiderable area depends on your machine and hoop, not on the file: simply check that the converted design dimensions fit inside your hoop. All formats supported here (PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3) express stitch positions in the same base unit, which allows conversion without any rescaling.

Other conversions from the DST format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a DST file to PES?

Drop your .dst file in the conversion area above: the conversion to PES is automatic. All that is left is to download the converted file.

DST to PES: how are colors chosen?

Since DST stores no palette, default colors are assigned in thread-change order. Open the converted PES in software (PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials, Ink/Stitch) to pick real colors, or assign threads directly on the machine.

How do I open a DST file?

DST files can be opened with Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird. You can also convert them online for free with StitchConverter.

Is the DST to PES conversion free?

Yes. StitchConverter offers 2 free conversions every 24 h, with no sign-up. For unlimited use, go Premium (€1 per 24 h or €5 per month).

Do I need an account to convert a file?

No, no sign-up is required for free use. A Premium account is created automatically when you purchase, and you are identified by e-mail.